As most people mention the suspension bridge is out that prevents you from being able to hike a loop through Lava Canyon.  Based on some of the other trip reports on how sketchy the trail is, we went as far as the suspension bridge on both sides of the canyon and turned around.  On one side of the canyon just beyond the closed bridge is a trail sign warning you that the trail becomes extremely difficult (black diamond).  We took this as a sign to turn around.  According to our gps we hiked just over 2 miles by hiking both sides of the canyon.  This is a very pretty canyon with lots of use.  The trails in this section are very well maintained.  

Danger to reward ratio is not good enough to do this hike.

It's time for USFS either to revamp and improve this trail or close it. It's just not safe: narrow trail adjacent to complete drop-offs to the canyon floor on the upper trail, a one-foot section of trail completely washed out with a sure-death drop, loose gravel to help you slip and slide, and then down low the trail skirts the edge of the lahar, which is now undercut UNDER THE TRAIL in places.

Basically, I can't believe I kept going. I'm an experienced hiker who's done plenty of questionable stuff, and this had my nerves on edge for prolonged periods. Really I kept going because it was a better option to connect with the old FR-83 trail at the bottom to return, than to turn around and retrace those unpleasant steps.

Don't get me wrong: it's a pretty cool canyon. But it's not cool enough to justify the risk. I did this hike back in 2006 and it wasn't in nearly as bad of shape. What this tells me is that it's gotten worse and will keep getting worse. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

The suspension bridge was unfortunately down but the trail was fun nonetheless. The section listed as difficult is not so bad but there is a 30' ladder to descend as well as a good stretch of narrow trail right on the cliffside. Both of these features definitely added some interest and excitement!

The road to the trailhead is paved all the way, but there are some dips and bumps in the road to watch out for. The weather was clear on Sunday which made for a nice drive with views of St Helens. We weren’t really planning on this hike, but had camped nearby the night before and decided to drive up before heading home and I’m glad we took the detour here. We arrived to the trailhead at about 11am and there were several open parking spots.  

The trailhead describes three different trails you can take, by difficulty. There are lots of signs here. The second bridge (The suspension bridge) is still closed. We hiked out the lower trail, what’s described as the difficult trail. This trail is narrow and on top of a cliff. I am usually ok with heights and being on top of tall places, but for whatever reason this trail had my senses and nerves heightened. There are a few places where the trail is loose rocks with a steep cliff drop off, and one area where you have to make a big step down and the area to the side is washed out. We turned around at the top of the big steep ladder. I’m sure it would have been fine, but after a couple of steps going down I was really not feeling it and decided turning around would be better. 

The way back to the trailhead is the uphill, but going this way you get a bit better view of some of the river, canyon, and waterfalls. Overall this trail was a really cool place to see - it felt like something really different for Washington. 

Got to trail just before 10 a.m. and only about five cars in the parking lot. Easy trail to the lookout. Once at the lookout, you decide which way to go. We went right first and went over the steel bridge and followed trail to closed suspension bridge. Even though it's closed, it still makes for a beautiful picture.  This trail wasn't bad, slippery in a spot, but doable. 

Then, we turned around and went back to the lookout and took the other trail to the left to the suspension bridge. This trail was a little sketchier than the other side, but still doable.  Some steeper spots and wet parts. We stopped at the suspension bridge and didn't go any farther. The Ranger we talked to said that trail is scarier! It goes along the cliff and there's loose gravel. No thanks. Not a good day to die for me.  

Positive side note...I ran into two students from the previous school that I worked at.  LavaaLava Canyon is about 200 miles from there!

Overall, a short hike, not too bad on the trails we hiked, but didn't go farther than the suspension bridge. Parking lot was full when we got back.